Dynamic call characteristic control on a per call basis

ABSTRACT

Techniques for dynamically adjusting volume during a call are provided. A gateway is provided that allows a call between a first device and a second device. The call may be routed through a first network and a second network. The first network may be PSTN network and the second network may be a VOIP network. An indication may be received at the gateway that indicates a call characteristic should be adjusted for the call. For example, the indication may indicate the volume or echo should be adjusted. The gateway may then adjust the volume or eliminate echo during the call based on the indication. The adjustment is affected during the call at the first device and the second device. For example, the gateway may dynamically adjust the gain for the call resulting in a change in the call characteristic.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to telecommunications and morespecifically to dynamic adjustment of call characteristics at a gatewayon per call basis.

Voice over internet protocol (VOIP) solutions are being used by manyusers who make telephone calls. VOIP provides an inexpensive andflexible telephony system that may be used in lieu of or in conjunctionwith a public switch telephone network (PSTN).

Although VOIP is used, calls may still be connected between PSTNtelephones and VOIP telephones. Thus, the calls go through a PSTNnetwork and VOIP network. When these calls occur, call quality may bepoor because of the differences in the networks. For example, the PSTNside and/or VOIP side may suffer from poor volume level and/or echo.

Gateways may be calibrated in an attempt to minimize poor call quality.For example, the gain may be calibrated for calls made through thegateway. This calibration is a global adjustment for all calls madethrough the gateway or calls from an end point.

Some telephones may have a volume adjustment local to the handset thatmay used to adjust the volume on the phone. This solution, however, doesnot remedy the poor call quality for the call (e.g., as perceived byother participants).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to dynamicallyadjusting characteristics during a communication.

In one embodiment, techniques for dynamically adjusting volume oreliminating echo during a call are provided. A gateway is provided thatallows a call between a first device and a second device. The call maybe routed through a first network and a second network. The firstnetwork may be PSTN network and the second network may be a VOIPnetwork. An indication may be received at the gateway that indicates acall characteristic should be adjusted for the call. For example, theindication may indicate the volume or echo should be adjusted. Thegateway may then adjust the volume during the call or eliminating echobased on the indication. The adjustment is effected during the call atthe first device and the second device. For example, the gateway maydynamically adjust the gain or impedance for the call resulting in achange in the call characteristic.

In one embodiment, a method for dynamically adjusting a characteristicfor a communication using a gateway is provided. The method comprises:allowing a communication between a first device and a second device atthe gateway, the communication being routed through a first network andsecond network, the first network being different from the secondnetwork; receiving an indication at an adjuster of the gateway that acharacteristic should be adjusted for the communication; and adjustingthe characteristic at the gateway during the communication based on theindication, the adjustment being effected at the first device and thesecond device during the communication.

In another embodiment, a method for dynamically adjusting gain orimpedance during a call using a gateway is provided. The methodcomprises: allowing the call between a first device and a second deviceat a gateway, the call being routed through a PSTN network and VOIPnetwork, the first device including a PSTN device and the second deviceincluding a VOIP device; receiving an indication at an adjuster of thegateway that a call characteristic should be adjusted for the call; andadjusting gain or impedance for the call at the gateway based on theindication, the adjustment being effected at the first device and thesecond device during the call.

In yet another embodiment, a system for dynamically adjusting acharacteristic for a communication is provided. The method comprises: afirst device configured to communicate using a first network; a seconddevice configured to communicate using a second network; and a gatewayconfigured to allow a communication between the first device and thesecond device, the communication being routed through a first networkand the second network, the first network being different from thesecond network, the gateway comprising: an adjuster configured to:receive an indication at an adjuster of the gateway that acharacteristic of the communication should be adjusted for the call; andadjust the characteristic during the communication based on theindication, the adjustment being effected at the first device and thesecond device during the communication.

In another embodiment, an information storage medium having a pluralityof instructions for dynamically adjusting a characteristic for acommunication using a gateway is provided. The steps include: allowing acommunication between a first device and a second device at the gateway,the communication being routed through a first network and secondnetwork, the first network being different from the second network;receiving an indication at an adjuster of the gateway that acharacteristic should be adjusted for the communication; and adjustingthe characteristic at the gateway during the communication based on theindication, the adjustment being effected at the first device and thesecond device during the communication.

A further understanding of the nature and the advantages of theinventions disclosed herein may be realized by reference of theremaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a system for providing dynamic adjustment of callcharacteristics according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a first embodiment of the system according to embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a second embodiment of the system according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a third embodiment of the system according to embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a fourth embodiment of the system according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a data processing system thatmay be used to perform processing according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 depicts a system 100 for providing dynamic adjustment of callcharacteristics according to one embodiment of the present invention. Asshown, system 100 includes a gateway 102, PSTN device 104, VOIP device106, a VOIP network 108, and a PSTN 110.

Gateway 102 is configured to connect devices in a communication. Thecommunication may be any exchange of data between devices. For example,the communication may be any network to network transition, any mediaexchange, a telephone call, a download of data, web conference, or anycommunication session, etc. For discussion purposes, a communicationwill be referred to as a call between devices.

Network 110 may be a public switched network (referred to as “PSTN 110hereinafter) that includes a collection of interconnected voice-orientedpublic telephone networks. PSTN 110 may also be referred to as a plainold telephone service (POTS) network. Circuit-switching telephonenetworks may be connected to provide PSTN 110.

Network 108 may be a VOIP network (referred to as VOIP network 108hereinafter) that includes any packet based switching network(s). VOIPnetwork 108 delivers voice communications using internet protocol (IP)technology. Generally, voice information is in a digital form and sentusing packets. This is in contrast to data that is sent using atraditional circuit switched-protocol used in PSTN 110. VOIP network 108may use various protocols, such as H.323, session initiation protocol(SIP), etc.

Although calls are described as being routed through VOIP network 108and PSTN 110, call characteristics may be dynamically adjusted for acall routed through any networks. In one embodiment, callcharacteristics may be adjusted for any network transition betweendisparate networks. For example, network transitions may be SIP to VOIP,H323 or VOIP, or SIP to PoC (push to Talk), internet to IMS (IPMultimedia subsystem), or any exchange of other media than voice (e.g.video, music, web conference, etc.). Also, network 108 and network 110may be the same network (e.g., same protocol) but there may be atransition from one network to another network.

PSTN device 104 includes any device that communicates using PSTN 110.For example, PSTN device 104 may be an end user's telephone used to makea telephone call. Also, PSTN device 104 may be any other device used toroute the call, such as any switches, or any other devices in a PSTNnetwork.

VOIP device 106 includes any device capable communicating with VOIPnetwork 108. For example, VOIP device 106 may be an end user device usedto initiate a call, such as a computer, cellular phone, instantmessenger client, VOIP telephone, softphone, voice chat client, etc.Also, VOIP device 106 may be a server, an agent for an end user device,such as a VOIP agent that communicates with gateway 102 while routingthe call, etc. In one embodiment, VOIP device 106 may be a SIP agent foran end user device (e.g., telephone).

Although the call is shown as being connected between a PSTN device 104and a VOIP device 106, it will be understood that gateway 102 may beused to connect calls between any devices. For example, PSTN device 104and VOIP device 106 may be any devices that are compatible with thenetworks routing the call.

Adjustor 112 is configured to dynamically adjust a call characteristicduring a call between PSTN device 104 and VOIP device 106. A call may beany communication between PSTN device 104 and VOIP device 106. Forexample, the call may be a voice call, a data call, a streaming mediacommunication, any download of information, etc.

In one embodiment, an indication is received at adjustor 112. Theindication may be received from PSTN device 104, VOIP device 106, amodule in gateway 102, a remote agent different from PSTN device 104 andVOIP device 106, or any other device. Different scenarios of receivingthe indication will be described below.

Adjustor 112 uses the indication to adjust a characteristic during thecall. The characteristic may be any characteristic of a call, such asgain, impedance, volume, echo, etc. This adjustment is made for the calland affects the PSTN device 104 and VOIP device 106 during the call.Thus, adjustments may be dynamically made on a call by call basis.

In one embodiment, characteristics, such as gain, for gateway 102 arecalibrated for all calls being connected through gateway 102 or for anendpoint (e.g., a telephone, or any end device). This is a globaladjustment that is supposed to maximize call quality. However, due tocertain factors, the globally adjusted gain may not be satisfactory forall calls. For example, factors that contribute to characteristics thataffect calls may vary for each call. The type of connection (e.g., speedof the connection), impedance mismatches, the type of PSTN device orVOIP device, the distance, etc. may affect the call characteristics of acall. For example, when transitions between networks occur, the callsmay be affected. Thus, call characteristics may be poor for specificcalls. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide dynamicadjustments while a call is being made. This is more advantageous thanglobally adjusting characteristics for all calls (i.e., calibrating thegateway). Also, it is typically not possible for devices 104 and 106 tomake the adjustments themselves without gateway 102.

Also, if a global change is made, a call that is experiencing poor callcharacteristics may not be affected by the global change. Thus, users onexisting calls would have to disconnect their call and initiate a newcall. Further, the global changes may not be acceptable for all callsbeing made.

As described above, factors that are introduced on a call by call basismay be result in poor call characteristics. For example, a call mayresult in poor volume or echo on one or both sides of gateway 102.Latencies that are introduced into the call by PSTN 110 or VOIP network108 may affect call characteristics. The latency may be delays that areintroduced by a network. For example, the latencies may be because ofpacket latencies or bandwidth dips in the VOIP network side. Theselatencies may result in poor volume.

Also, impedance mismatches between PSTN 110 and VOIP network 108 mayresult in poor call characteristics. For example, impedance mismatchesmay result in echo (i.e., the echoing of words).

In one embodiment, gain may be adjusted at gateway 102 to adjust thecall characteristics while the call is taking place. Gain may be theamplification factor, which is the extent to which an analog amplifierboosts the strength of a signal. By increasing the gain of a signal ofthe call, the volume may be adjusted. Also, by adjusting the gatewayimpedance, impedance mismatches on different sides of gateway 102 (e.g.,the VOIP side and PSTN side) can be eliminated thereby removing echo ina call.

In order to address the above problems, embodiments of the presentinvention allow adjustor 112 to adjust the call characteristics on acall by call basis. Thus, during a call, the call characteristics may beadjusted for that call dynamically.

The following figures depict various embodiments of systems fordynamically adjusting call characteristics. Although these embodimentsare discussed, it will be recognized that other systems and methods maybe used.

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of system 100 according to embodimentsof the present invention. A call is connected between PSTN device 104and VOIP device 106. While on the call, PSTN device 104 and/or VOIPdevice 106 may determine that call characteristics are poor. Forexample, the volume may be too low or too high, or an echo may beoccurring.

VOIP device 106 is provided with a controller that can send anindication to adjustor 112 to change certain call characteristics. Forexample, the indication may be sent to increase or decrease the volumeon the call. Also, the indication may indicate that an echo isoccurring.

The indication may be sent by VOIP device 106 using a web service call,a proprietary call, or any other methods of communicating with adjustor112. For example, proprietary or web service calls may configured suchthat VOIP device 106 knows where to send the indication and network 108knows how to send it to adjustor 112. Also, the message sent may be asession initiation protocol message, such as a SIMPLE message, a MSRPmessage or via SIP NOTIFY events. The SIP message may be sent to anaddress for gateway 102. Other methods of communicating the indicationto gateway 102 may also be appreciated.

In one embodiment, VOIP device 106 may include a user interface that isused to send an indication to adjustor 112. The user interface mayinclude a feature that allows the user to change a call characteristic,such as increasing/decreasing volume, decreasing echo, etc.

In one embodiment, if a user decides that call characteristics are poor,then an indication can be sent. For example, if a user of PSTN device104 would like call characteristics to be changed, the user may tell theuser of VOIP device 106 that the call characteristics need to bechanged. The user of PSTN device 104 may request that volume increasedor decreased or say that an echo is being heard. Also, the exchangebetween users may take place via exchanges of data in other channels.For example, a user may send an instant message to the other user sayingthe volume is too low. The notification may also be automated asdiscussed after via systems that detect the problems on the other sideand communicate it to gateway 102 or the other device or user. A user ofVOIP device 106 may use the interface to cause VOIP device 106 to sendan indication for a change in call characteristics.

Adjustor 112 is configured to adjust the call characteristics when theindication is received. The indication may indicate how much a callcharacteristic should be changed. For example, the indication mayindicate that the volume should be increased or decreased a certainamount, etc. Also, the indication may indicate that a certain amount ofecho is being heard.

Adjustor 112 is then configured to adjust the call characteristicsduring the call. Then, once the call characteristics are changed, thechanges are effected on the call for PSTN device 104 and VOIP device106. In one embodiment, gain may be adjusted for the call. By adjustingthe gain, the volume may be increased or decreased. The above processmay be performed iteratively until the call characteristics aresatisfactory.

If echo is being eliminated, then feedback may be provided by PSTNdevice 102 as echo is adjusted. VOIP device 106 may send indications toadjustor 112 to adjust the gain and/or impedance of gateway 102 toeliminate echo. Feedback may continue to determine if the echo beingdetected is getting worse or better. In one embodiment, the impedancebetween PSTN device 104 and VOIP device 106 may be changed to remove thedifferences between impedances of both devices. By changing theimpedances to remove the differences, the echo may be removed. Changingimpedance is one way of changing the gain for a particular call. It willbe recognized that other methods of removing or canceling echo may beprovided (e.g. introducing artificial delays, etc.).

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of system 100 according to embodimentsof the present invention. As shown, a module 302 in gateway 102 isconfigured to detect call characteristics of a call between PSTN device104 and VOIP device 106. For example, module 302 may be able to checkthe volume on the call. In one embodiment, module 302 automaticallymeasures a gain that is being generated on the call. For example, thegain generated by a digital or analog PSTN signal may be measured. Inanother embodiment, module 302 may listen to the call to determine ifvolume needs to be adjusted. Also, module 302 may listen for an echo.

If call characteristics need to be changed, module 302 sends anindication to adjustor 112. For example, module 302 may send anindication that indicates that the gain is too low or too high (anychannel may be used to send the indication). Adjustor 112 then adjuststhe gain for the call thereby adjusting the volume or canceling theecho.

FIG. 4 depicts a third embodiment of system 100 according to embodimentsof the present invention. As shown, PSTN device 104 may be used toadjust call characteristics. For example, PSTN device 104 may use aseparate channel to communicate the indication to change a callcharacteristic to adjustor 112.

PSTN device 104 may be aware of gateway 102 and use session informationto request a change in call characteristics. For example, PSTN device104 may also include a data channel, such as an Internet connection. APSTN telephone can be on the call and then open up a data channel toadjustor 112. This may be achieved by posting via a web service or by aweb page. For example, the call may be identified using the VOIP phonenumber for VOIP device 106, IP address for VOIP device 106, or any otheridentifying information. In one example, all incoming calls for thetelephone number used by the PSTN device 104 may be listed on the webpage. The user may select the call corresponding to the incoming calland choose to send an indication to gateway 102. The indication is thensent to adjuster 112.

The web page may include an ability to adjust the volume or cancel theecho for all calls that are currently active for PSTN device 104. Theindication is then sent to adjustor 112. Adjustor 112 can then changethe call characteristics for the call.

FIG. 5 depicts a fourth embodiment of system 100 according toembodiments of the present invention. An agent 502 is able to check callcharacteristics on a call between PSTN device 104 and VOIP device 106.Agent 502 then sends an indication to adjustor 112 that is used tochange the call characteristics.

Agent 502 may be a probe that is added to PSTN 110. The probe may be anadditional telephone that is conferenced into the call (e.g., by using aconference bridge). For example, when a call is made using PSTN device104, agent 502 is conferenced into the call. The probe checks the callcharacteristics to determine if they are sufficient. For example, thevolume or echo may be checked by checking the gain on the call.

Agent 502 then sends an indication to adjustor 112. The indication maybe sent to gateway 102. For example, agent 502 is configured tocommunicate with adjustor 112 through a data channel. Adjustor 112 maythen adjust the call characteristics, such as by adjusting the gain.

Once agent 502 has checked the call characteristics and sent anindication to adjustor 112, agent 502 may drop out of the call. Also, ifagent 502 determines that the call characteristics do not need anychanges, agent 502 may just drop of out of the call without performingany actions.

Accordingly, embodiments provide dynamic adjustment of callcharacteristics on a per call basis. The call characteristics that canbe changed are characteristics that cannot be changed using solely VOIPdevice 106 and/or PSTN device 102. For example, the gain is changed bygateway 102 in order to adjust volume or cancel echo for a call. Thegain on a call cannot be changed by VOIP device 106 and/or PSTN 102without using gateway 102. Thus, gateway 102 is used to dynamicallyadjust the call characteristics during a call. This provides specifictuning for a call rather than a global adjustment across all calls.

Accordingly, quality and customer satisfaction is provided. Users canadjust the call themselves when poor call quality is noticed. Because ofthe differences in various networks connecting calls, it may be likelythat poor call quality may occur. Thus, if poor volume or significantecho occurs on one side of gateway 102, it can be adjusted using thetechniques provided above during the call. Thus, users do not have tohang up and attempt a call again. The adjustment may also be providedautomatically or based on user feedback.

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of data processing system 600 thatmay be used to perform processing according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 6, data processing system600.includes at least one processor 602, which communicates with anumber of peripheral devices via a bus subsystem 604. These peripheraldevices may include a storage subsystem 606, comprising a memorysubsystem 608 and a file storage subsystem 610, user interface inputdevices 612, user interface output devices 614, and a network interfacesubsystem 616. The input and output devices allow user interaction withdata processing system 602.

Network interface subsystem 616 provides an interface to other computersystems, networks, and storage resources. The networks may include theInternet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), awireless network, an intranet, a private network, a public network, aswitched network, or any other suitable communication network. Networkinterface subsystem 616 serves as an interface for receiving data fromother sources and for transmitting data to other sources from dataprocessing system 600. Embodiments of network interface subsystem 616include an Ethernet card, a modem (telephone, satellite, cable, ISDN,etc.), (asynchronous) digital subscriber line (DSL) units, and the like.

User interface input devices 612 may include a keyboard, pointingdevices such as a mouse, trackball, touchpad, or graphics tablet, ascanner, a barcode scanner, a touchscreen incorporated into the display,audio input devices such as voice recognition systems, microphones, andother types of input devices. In general, use of the term “input device”is intended to include all possible types of devices and ways to inputinformation to data processing system 600.

User interface output devices 614 may include a display subsystem, aprinter, a fax machine, or non-visual displays such as audio outputdevices. The display subsystem may be a cathode ray tube (CRT), aflat-panel device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), or aprojection device. In general, use of the term “output device” isintended to include all possible types of devices and ways to outputinformation from data processing system 600.

Storage subsystem 606 may be configured to store the basic programmingand data constructs that provide the functionality of the presentinvention. For example, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, software modules implementing the functionality of thepresent invention may be stored in storage subsystem 606. These softwaremodules may be executed by processor(s) 602. Storage subsystem 606 mayalso provide a repository for storing data used in accordance with thepresent invention. Storage subsystem 606 may comprise memory subsystem608 and file/disk storage subsystem 610.

Memory subsystem 608 may include a number of memories including a mainrandom access memory (RAM) 618 for storage of instructions and dataduring program execution and a read only memory (ROM) 620 in which fixedinstructions are stored. File storage subsystem 610 provides persistent(non-volatile) storage for program and data files, and may include ahard disk drive, a floppy disk drive along with associated removablemedia, a Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) drive, an optical drive,removable media cartridges, and other like storage media.

Bus subsystem 604 provides a mechanism for letting the variouscomponents and subsystems of data processing system 602 communicate witheach other as intended.

Although bus subsystem 604 is shown schematically as a single bus,alternative embodiments of the bus subsystem may utilize multiplebusses.

Data processing system 600 can be of varying types including a personalcomputer, a portable computer, a workstation, a network computer, amainframe, a kiosk, or any other data processing system. Due to theever-changing nature of computers and networks, the description of dataprocessing system 600 depicted in FIG. 6 is intended only as a specificexample for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiment of thecomputer system. Many other configurations having more or fewercomponents than the system depicted in FIG. 6 are possible.

The present invention can be implemented in the form of control logic insoftware or hardware or a combination of both. The control logic may bestored in an information storage medium as a plurality of instructionsadapted to direct an information processing device to perform a set ofsteps disclosed in embodiments of the present invention. Based on thedisclosure and teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate other ways and/or methods to implement thepresent invention.

The above description is illustrative but not restrictive. Manyvariations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in theart upon review of the disclosure. The scope of the invention should,therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description,but instead should be determined with reference to the pending claimsalong with their full scope or equivalents.

1. A method for dynamically adjusting a characteristic for acommunication using a gateway, the method comprising: allowing acommunication between a first device and a second device at the gateway,the communication being routed through a first network and secondnetwork, the first network being different from the second network;receiving an indication at an adjuster of the gateway that acharacteristic should be adjusted for the communication; and adjustingthe characteristic at the gateway during the communication based on theindication, the adjustment being effected at the first device and thesecond device during the communication.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the characteristic comprises a volume characteristic or echocharacteristic.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the characteristic isadjusted by adjusting gain or impedance for the communication.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first network comprises a PSTN networkand the second network comprises a VOIP network.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein the indication is received from the first device, seconddevice, a third device remote from the gateway, or a module in thegateway.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the third device is coupledto the call and configured to check the volume of the call.
 7. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the module in the gateway detects the volumeon the communication and is configured to send the indication to theadjuster.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication is receivedfrom the first device over a data channel separate from a channel beingused for the communication.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein theadjustment is made on a per communication basis.
 10. A method fordynamically adjusting gain or impedance during a call using a gateway,the method comprising: allowing the call between a first device and asecond device at a gateway, the call being routed through a PSTN networkand VOIP network, the first device including a PSTN device and thesecond device including a VOIP device; receiving an indication at anadjuster of the gateway that a call characteristic should be adjustedfor the call; and adjusting gain or impedance for the call at thegateway based on the indication, the adjustment being effected at thefirst device and the second device during the call.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the indication is received from the first device,second device, a third device remote from the gateway, or a module inthe gateway.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the third device iscoupled to the call and configured to check the volume of the call. 13.The method of claim 11, wherein the module in the gateway detects thevolume on the call and is configured to send the indication to theadjuster.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the indication is receivedfrom the first device over a data channel separate from a channel beingused for the call.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the indication isreceived from the second device through the VOIP network.
 16. The methodof claim 10, wherein adjusting the gain or impedance comprises adjustinga volume level for the call.
 17. The method of claim 16, whereinadjusting the gain or impedance comprises eliminating an echo for thecall.
 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the adjustment is made on acall-per-call basis.
 19. A system for dynamically adjusting acharacteristic for a communication, the method comprising: a firstdevice configured to communicate using a first network; a second deviceconfigured to communicate using a second network; and a gatewayconfigured to allow a communication between the first device and thesecond device, the communication being routed through a first networkand the second network, the first network being different from thesecond network, the gateway comprising: an adjuster configured to:receive an indication at an adjuster of the gateway that acharacteristic of the communication should be adjusted for the call; andadjust the characteristic during the communication based on theindication, the adjustment being effected at the first device and thesecond device during the communication.
 20. The system of claim 19,wherein the characteristic comprises a volume characteristic or echocharacteristic.
 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the characteristicis adjusted by adjusting gain or impedance for the call.
 22. The systemof claim 19, wherein the first network comprises a PSTN network and thesecond network comprises a VOIP network.
 23. An information storagemedium having a plurality of instructions for dynamically adjusting acharacteristic for a communication using a gateway, the steps including:allowing a communication between a first device and a second device atthe gateway, the communication being routed through a first network andsecond network, the first network being different from the secondnetwork; receiving an indication at an adjuster of the gateway that acharacteristic should be adjusted for the communication; and adjustingthe characteristic at the gateway during the communication based on theindication, the adjustment being effected at the first device and thesecond device during the communication.